Head-to-head reliability
AUDI A7 vs Honda Accord
How the AUDI A7 and Honda Accord compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
AUDI A7 vs Honda Accord: The A7 averages 6.7 complaints per year with 43 recalls and 4 injuries, while the Accord averages 452.4 complaints per year with 38 recalls, 162 crash-related complaints, and 3 deaths. The A7's issues are often electrical and can strand you; the Accord's are more varied and include safety-system faults. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the AUDI A7 or Honda Accord more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
AUDI A7
The Audi A7 is a luxury hatchback with a relatively low complaint volume—about 6.7 per year over a decade—but the pattern shows a car that can leave you stranded when electronics fail. Owners repeatedly describe cascading electrical warnings, sudden engine shutdowns, and a 48-volt mild-hybrid starter-generator that quits without warning. With 43 recalls and 4 reported injuries, it demands a thorough pre-purchase inspection and a budget for potential electrical repairs.
Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a mainstream family sedan with a much higher complaint count—roughly 452 per year—but that reflects its enormous sales volume. The most common owner reports involve engine stalling or rough running, electronic power steering and braking failures, and forward collision avoidance systems that can brake unexpectedly. With 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths reported, these are serious patterns that buyers should not ignore.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | AUDI A7 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 67 Better | 4,524 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 43 | 38 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 1 Better | 162 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 6.7 Better | 452.4 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 4 Better | 146 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
AUDI A7
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
- 02ENGINE14
- 03POWER TRAIN9
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
- 05AIR BAGS7
Owners report an 'electrical malfunction' warning followed by cascading transmission and steering warnings, often within a mile, and some say the car ceased moving at highway speeds. This can leave you stranded or unable to steer, so a pre-purchase electrical scan is critical.
The engine control unit can fail and shut the engine off unexpectedly while driving, according to owner complaints. This sudden loss of power on local roads or highways is a serious safety concern that may require costly module replacement.
The 48-volt mild-hybrid starter-generator is a common failure point, with owners reporting many electrical components faulting as a result. This can disable the car and may not be covered by an existing recall on the A7.
The auto start/stop feature can engage before the vehicle fully stops, making the brakes feel aggressively applied, and the fuel filler flap can stick shut, especially in winter. These issues are annoying and can affect drivability and refueling.
“Received an electrical malfunction - please call service warning icon on dash display. In less than one mile, I received cascading sequential warnings - including transmission and steering warnings - please pull over now. I attempted to exit the freeway on th…”
“The alternator malfunctioned and was not available for inspection upon request My safety was put at risk as the car ceased to move while driving on high speeds on the hwy The problem has been reproduced by several other audi owners. This is a widespread issue…”
Honda Accord
- 01ENGINE1,006
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM895
- 03FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE837
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER746
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM602
Owners report alarms for brake, hill descent, and ABS failures while driving, with the vehicle losing speed and unable to accelerate. Others describe rattling noises and rough transitions between EV and gas modes, which can indicate internal engine or hybrid system problems.
Complaints include simultaneous failure of electronic power steering and braking at highway speeds, causing a near-collision, and a tire failure shortly after a TPMS warning was serviced. These electrical faults can be sudden and dangerous.
Owners report the system braking unexpectedly on open roads or with adaptive cruise control set, sometimes twice on the same route. This false activation can cause rear-end collisions or loss of control.
Some owners report a persistent rotten-egg or sulfur odor that remains after filter replacement, and others mention fuel pump issues. This can indicate fuel system problems that may affect performance and emissions.
“Vehicle drove normally in the morning commute. In the afternoon commute it started normally and as i approached highway speeds the alarms started showing up. the Brake, hill descent system, abs, critical failure. the vehicle started losing speed and could not…”
“Vehicle makes rattling noises while accelerating similar to a diesel engine also rough transitions between EV mode and Gas mode also when you press the charge button the engine makes a very noticeable jerk once it’s on ,Honda does not want to fix my issue and…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
AUDI A7 — 43 recalls
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2019-2026 vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal M…
The risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2026. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 90TV. Vehicle Identification Numbers (V…
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occ…
The risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
The defect: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
The fix: Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Honda Accord — 38 recalls
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Honda Accord Hybrid vehicles. Due to a software error, the integrated control module (ICM) central processing unit (CPU) may reset while driving, causing a loss of drive power.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the ICM CPU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 6, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is TN2. Vehicle Identificati…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023-2026 CR-V Hybrid, Accord Hybrid, and 2025-2026 CR-V Fuel Cell EV vehicles. When using the tire repair kit, pressure may build within the sealant bottle, causing the bottle cap to detach.
The risk: A detached bottle cap can become a projectile and strike the user or others nearby, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the tire repair kit nozzle or sealant bottle, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed July 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipat…
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 Accord Sedan, Accord Hybrid, CR-V, Ridgeline, 2022 Insight and CR-V Hybrid vehicles. The automatic locking retractor on the second-row center seat belt assembly may deactivate improperly, which can result in an unsecured child restraint sys…
The risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the second-row center seat belt assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2022. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
The defect: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pilot, Accord, Civic sedan, HR-V, Odyssey, 2020 Civic coupe, Fit, 2021-2022 Civic hatchback, 2021 Civic Type R, Insight, 2020-2021 CR-V, CR-V Hybrid, Passport, Ridgeline, Accord Hybrid, 2020 Acura MDX, 2022 Acura MDX, 2020-2022 Acura R…
The risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls ar…
Buyer analysis
AUDI A7 or Honda Accord: which should you buy?
The Audi A7 has far fewer complaints per year (6.7 vs. 452.4), but the Honda Accord's higher count is partly due to its much larger sales volume. In practice, the A7's issues tend to be electrical and can leave you stranded, while the Accord's issues are more varied and include serious safety-system faults. Neither is problem-free, but the A7's lower frequency may mean fewer trips to the shop if you can handle potential electrical gremlins.
Key differences
- The Audi A7 averages 6.7 complaints per year, while the Honda Accord averages 452.4, but the Accord sells in much higher numbers.
- A7 owners frequently report cascading electrical failures and sudden engine shutdowns, while Accord owners report engine stalling, electronic steering/braking failures, and false forward collision braking.
- The A7 has 43 recalls and 4 injuries reported; the Accord has 38 recalls but 162 crash-related complaints and 3 deaths.
- A7 complaints often center on the 48-volt mild-hybrid starter-generator, while Accord complaints include hybrid system roughness and fuel odors.
- Check for any history of electrical malfunction warnings, especially cascading transmission or steering warnings, and have the 48-volt starter-generator tested.
- Test the fuel filler flap operation and the auto start/stop system for premature engagement, as these are known owner complaints.
- Scan for stored codes in the electronic power steering and braking systems, and test the forward collision avoidance system for false braking.
- Listen for engine rattling or rough transitions between EV and gas modes, and check for persistent sulfur odors from the fuel system.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and confirm all recalls have been performed, especially for electrical and fuel system issues.
- Have a mechanic perform a comprehensive electrical system scan, including battery, alternator, and hybrid components if applicable.
- Test drive at highway speeds and in stop-and-go traffic to check for sudden warnings, stalling, or unexpected braking.
- Inspect the fuel filler flap and auto start/stop operation on the A7, and the forward collision avoidance and TPMS on the Accord.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records and specifically inquire about any prior electrical, engine, or transmission repairs.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | AUDI A7 | Honda Accord |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 0 | 109 |
| 2024 | 0 | 219 |
| 2023 | 0 | 226 |
| 2022 | 0 | 252 |
| 2021 | 6 | 234 |
| 2020 | 2 | 362 |
| 2019 | 43 | 691 |
| 2018 | 0 | 1884 |
| 2017 | 1 | 537 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific AUDI A7 or Honda Accord in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- AUDI A7 vs Honda Accord
- AUDI A7 total complaints
- 67
- Honda Accord total complaints
- 4,524
- AUDI A7 total recalls
- 43
- Honda Accord total recalls
- 38
- AUDI A7 avg complaints/year
- 6.7
- Honda Accord avg complaints/year
- 452.4
- More reliable overall
- AUDI A7
- AUDI A7 top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Honda Accord top complaint area
- ENGINE